THE USE OF MAKEUP AND COSMETICS

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Make up and cosmetics are indeed important products and substance in our world of today, which is adopted by almost everybody. I am happy and glad to write about this concept. Let's begin with the basis.

WHAT IS MAKEUP

Makeup is a cosmetic product used to enhance or alter ones natural appearance. It can either be used to improve and highlight ones attractive features or completely change a person's appearance to look like a different being entirely. Some examples of makeup cosmetic products include; eyeshadow, foundation, eye liner, lipstick, etc.

Some of the functions of makeup includes;

• To conceal some skin imperfections
• To boost an individual's attractiveness
• To enhance the feminity of a woman
• To identify social status
• To boost sexual receptivity.

All these are reasons why makeup is widely accepted by various kind of people in the world. It has a lot of significant functions to people in the society.

MAKEUP AND CULTURE

Makeup I would say has been a huge part of our culture and tradition. In the past, this makeup and artistic designs were employed mainly for entertainment purposes like ritual festivals, some traditional dances and dramas. For instance, women and dancers back then would use chalk powder to rub their bodies as a way of symbolising peace and harmony. Also, Uri also known as indigo was adopted with cam wood to make the individual look colourful during the festivals. Some used palm oil and camwood to make their bodies look beautiful during some festivals.

The make-up products used back then was mostly natural. Made of natural ingredients and more long lasting than the ones of now. The eye pencil of today was known as kajal. This was used back then by men and women to line their eyes as it was believed to see evil spirits better.

Some makeup products peculiar to the Igbo culture where I come from includes;

• Nzu- white chalk
• Uri/Ulu- black dye (used to draw ornamental patterns on the body
• Edo- yellow dye
• Ufie or Uhie- Carmine(refreshes and rejuvenates the body)
• Tanjele- (to beautify and cleanse the eyes)
  
  

MAKEUP AND FUNCTIONS

We have different degrees and types of make up for different functions and events. Some of these makeup are not accepted in places of social gatherings.

In a professional work setting, there is a kind of makeup that individuals can put on to work. You can't wear makeup in a way that makes you look like a herbalist or an insane person and come to work. Likewise in the entertainment industry. Different roles in a movie requires different kind of makeup to look and fit the part.
Also, the kind of makeup worn to a party or ceremony may not be ideal in some religious organizations like the church.

Therefore makeup is an artistic expression of oneself and as such varies with people by people. Also different social gatherings and events entails you to look a certain kind of way. And so makeup has been modified and adjusted to fit those places.

MAKE-UP AND GENDER

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Overtime, makeup has been associated more with the female folks. It is believed that the female gender uses this make-up cosmetic products more than men to enhance their natural beauty, hide some blemishes and make them look more appealing. However, as the world continued to evolve and develop. Some men has indeed adopted the use of this makeup. Although it is not widely accepted in our present day society.

MY PERCEPTION OF MAKE-UP

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is that kind of makeup meant to improve upon ones look or image without totally changing the individual's appearance in a way that someone he/she knows on a personal level will not be able to recognize them. This kind of make-up is moderately done. still retaining the individual's natural look, only enhancing it a little bit.

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on the other hand, is the direct opposite of light make-up. It is the kind that is excessively done, applying too much of everything. A make-up that will practically change ones appearance to look like an entirely different person.

MAKE-UP AND PREFERENCE

In my opinion, if I was man and I had a wife, there is nothing wrong with my spouse making use of makeup as long as it is light make-up and not every time, probably only for occasions and events. The reason is because, I believe the natural look is more real. No human is perfect, so why make ourselves perfect, trying to hide all the blemishes and things you don't want others to see through make-up.

There is also nothing wrong in putting more effort in your look through make-up. But also things should be done in moderation.


Also I would say men who appreciate makeup on other women but don't allow their wives to use it are hypocritical. They themselves are living fake lives. If not, how else would you explain that, they appreciate what is does on others but don't want their wives to look as good as they like.

IS TATOO A PART OF MAKE-UP

I believe tatoo is a form of makeup. Remember, make-up is any substance an individual apply on their body to either enhance or alter their appearance. If tatoo fulfills this purpose, then it can be considered as make-up. However, tatoo in my society is considered as unethical and irresponsible.


Cc: @manuelhooks